JoLMA The Journal for the Philosophy of Language, Mind and the Arts

Rivista | JoLMA
Fascicolo | 5 | 1 | 2024
Articolo | Mapping a Blank Spot and Making Empty Spaces

Mapping a Blank Spot and Making Empty Spaces

Geographic and Cartographic Ontology in Italian Topographic Mapping of the Southern Libyan Desert in the 1930s

Abstract

This study explores the ontological assumptions of mapping as active processes, rather than passive representations and discusses the need for pragmatic guidelines in map-making, as maps only acquire meaning through their users’ minds and bodies. The paper presents historical examples of Italian colonial topographic mapping of the southern Libyan Desert during the 1930s. It emphasizes the interconnected histories of geographical exploration, social and cultural contexts, and technical practices. The paper argues that the ‘empty spaces’ on maps reflect intentional choices made by cartographers, not insufficient data. The performative nature and diverse sociocultural conditions of maps need to be considered to understand their meaning and use.


Open access | Peer reviewed

Presentato: 27 Gennaio 2024 | Pubblicato 26 Luglio 2024 | Lingua: en

Keywords Topographic mappingItalian colonial cartographyLibyan DesertGeographic ontologyMapping processesBlank spot


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